August rarely plays fair with investors. Historically one of the weakest months for returns, it has a reputation for volatility. This year was no exception. From tariff shocks to earnings stumbles, accredited investors had plenty to watch and even more to think about.
Every headline felt like a new test. Chipmaker stocks swung on policy rumors. Interest rates stood still while gold and Bitcoin ran hot. Household names like Eli Lilly and Airbnb took unexpected hits. One thing was clear. Markets are moving fast. Waiting on the sidelines is not a strategy.
At Bear Creek Capital, we help accredited investors stay ahead of these shifts through our investment membership club. Our private market news updates, briefings, Zoom sessions, and in-person investor events keep you directly connected to what’s happening in the public markets and who’s leading the moves.
Trade Tensions Are Back on the Table
New US tariffs hit the headlines again in August. Imports from the European Union now face a 15 percent tariff, while Brazilian goods were hit even harder at 50 percent. The biggest stir came from a proposal for a 100 percent tariff on semiconductors.
That policy later softened, but not before rattling chipmaker stocks. Intel fell by over 3 percent. Nvidia managed a 1.3 percent gain. AMD jumped over 6 percent, buoyed by investor relief.
President Trump publicly called for the resignation of Intel’s CEO, citing concerns over China ties. Toyota lowered its 2025 profit guidance by $9.5 billion in response to expected tariff exposure.
Earnings Season: Highs, Lows, and Everything In Between
Earnings results surprised in every direction. S&P 500 earnings per share were expected to rise 10.3 percent.
DraftKings doubled profit expectations. Fortinet beat on earnings but still saw its stock drop nearly 19 percent in premarket trading (investing.com). Eli Lilly plunged 14.7 percent after its new obesity pill delivered 12.4 percent average weight loss in trials, which trailed rival results and analyst expectations (marketwatch.com).
Airbnb dropped 8.5 percent after warning that expansion could hurt margins. Peloton posted a surprise profit but warned of slowing 2025 sales. Krispy Kreme fell as quarterly losses widened. Warner Bros. Discovery posted a profit but dropped 6.5 percent on weak guidance. DoorDash stood out, rising on strong demand for deliveries.
Interest Rates and Recession Fears
Central banks were active in August. The Bank of England cut interest rates to 4 percent. The Federal Reserve held its rate steady while signaling economic caution. Some Fed officials expressed concern about slowing growth and suggested potential cuts may follow.
Gold reached new highs. Bitcoin rallied on reports that 401(k) plans may soon include crypto. Mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point since April. Unemployment claims rose slightly, and continuing claims hit their highest level since November 2021.
“Everyone’s focused on stagflation risk, but the bigger issue is whiplash,” Oliver says. “Investors are reacting to every economic headline with urgency. That creates more opportunities for those paying attention.”
Bitcoin’s Role in a Volatile Market
Bitcoin moved sharply in August, topping $122,000 and flirting with new all‑time highs. The crypto rally stemmed from tariff worries, rate uncertainty, and speculation about policy shifts. For investors, BTC remains a hedge and sentiment gauge amid macro turbulence.
Crypto Treasury Stocks to Watch: BMNR, SBET, and TZUP
Some public companies are embracing crypto by holding ETH on their balance sheets.
BitMine Immersion (BMNR) now holds 1,150,263 ETH; worth about $4.96 billion, making it the largest Ethereum treasury in the world and the third‑largest crypto treasury overall.
The company plans to raise up to $20 billion more via stock sales to further buy ETH and aims to own 5 percent of the total ETH supply.
SharpLink Gaming (SBET) has shifted from sports betting marketing to becoming the second‑largest corporate ETH holder. It holds approximately 521,939 ETH, worth over $2 billion. Its ETH Concentration metric stands at 3.66 ETH per 1,000 shares, up 83 percent since launching its ETH strategy in June 2025.
TZUP recently announced a strategic relationship with Coinbase to accelerate cryptocurrency accumulation, signaling that even smaller firms are pursuing crypto treasury strategies.
These plays give sophisticated investors direct exposure to ETH through the stock market, often with staking yield attached.
Winners, Losers, and the Small Cap View
Sector performance diverged sharply in recent market news reports. Tech rose on optimism. Consumer and travel names slid. Fortinet’s firewalls confused analysts and shareholders alike. Gold and crypto gained on uncertainty. Some large caps held firm, while others wobbled.
Small cap stocks remain compelling. Historically, they outperform large caps during recovery cycles. According to Morningstar, small caps often deliver stronger long-term returns because they grow from a smaller base and move earlier in the market cycle.
At Bear Creek Capital, we are watching small and microcaps closely. That is where we find mispriced assets and room for exponential growth. Accredited investors who engage early can access value that others miss.
Why Accredited Investors Should Stay Connected Now
If you are ready to stay informed and connected in volatile markets, Bear Creek Capital has the tools for you. Our investment membership club gives accredited investors exclusive access to private research, real-time Zoom briefings, and in-person investor events.
We host invitation-only investor events in West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach. We deliver hands-on support to public companies through our public company advisory services.
We also work directly with executives through our public company advisory services, giving you a front-row seat to opportunities others never see. If you want to meet high-growth companies, get unfiltered insights, and move faster than retail investors, our team is your advantage.
Our clients don’t wait for the quarterly report. They meet the CEO. They ask the tough questions. And they stay connected, even when markets get noisy.
Apply now. The best opportunities don’t wait.
To find out how you can join Bear Creek Capital today, click here.
About the Author
Raymond Oliver is the CEO of Bear Creek Capital LLC and has led the firm since December 2005. With over 30 years in the financial industry, he brings deep expertise in strategic investing, business development, and public market dynamics. Before founding Bear Creek Capital, he worked in investor relations at Action Products. His market insights guide accredited investors toward informed decisions in small cap and micro‑cap opportunities.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any investment decisions, consult with a qualified financial advisor. From time to time, Bear Creek Capital LLC may hold positions in some of the companies mentioned in our articles